Safari, Zack, and Jen stood near their spaceship.
The sleek exterior reflected the planet's dim light, casting a faint glow on the group.
Despite everything that had happened, the air around them felt lighter ā as though a heavy burden had been lifted.
Safari turned toward Angeleva, the memories of the past days still lingering in his mind. He scratched the back of his head, trying to find the right words.
Safari: (grinning, though a little nervous)
"Soā¦ you coming with us? I'll make sure no weirdos get near you this time. Not that you need to worry ā I'll protect you."
Angeleva's face flushed slightly, but she quickly masked it with a scoff.
Angeleva: (crossing her arms)
"Oh, please. You think Iām gonna rely on you after everything? No way. Iām done expecting you to swoop in and save me. From now on, Iāll protect myself."
Her words were firm, but there was no bitterness ā only determination. Safari frowned, feeling a pang of guilt.
Angeleva: (softening)
"And... it wasnāt your fault. Not entirely. I was helpless. Not against a demon general, but against a bunch of idiotic weirdos. Thatās what really hurts. I should have fought harder, not relied on you. Thatās on me."
Zack and Jen watched in quiet understanding.
Angeleva: (sighing)
"I even call myself a warrior. But the truth is, my pride was just stubbornness. And you, as annoying as you are, still carried all that guilt. You didnāt have to."
Safari opened his mouth to protest, but Angeleva quickly interrupted.
Angeleva: (with a smirk)
"I hate to admit it, but you did help me. Even though you humiliated me first. Guess I owe you one, huh?"
Safari's grin returned, his playful confidence ignited.
Safari: (teasing)
"Well, since you said it, that means youāre out of the competition. No way you can beat me now, not when you owe me so much. Iām taking down those demon generals, and youāre just gonna have to watch."
Angeleva: (snapping back)
"Like hell I will! Iām still in the competition, devil! Iām alive, arenāt I? And besides, I donāt owe you that much."
Safari: (grinning smugly)
"Oh yeah? Then how are you gonna repay me?"
Without warning, Angeleva took a step forward. She leaned into Safari, her soft pink hair brushing against his chest.
Before he could react, she wrapped her arms gently around him. Her warm wings folded around his back, embracing him in a cocoon of comfort.
Safari's eyes widened, his body tensing at first. But as the warmth settled in, he felt something unfamiliar. It wasnāt just the physical warmth ā it was the kind of comfort that seeped into his heart. The burden heād been carrying for so long felt lighter.
Zack and Jen exchanged a surprised glance, a fond smile creeping onto Jen's face.
Jen: (whispering)
"Well, isnāt that adorable?"
Zack: (nodding with amusement)
"Iād say so."
Safari's face burned with embarrassment. But even as he struggled to find his words, a part of him didnāt want the moment to end. It feltā¦ right. Angelevaās voice was soft as she whispered into his ear.
Angeleva: (gently)
"Stop holding everything in, Safari. Youāre not alone. Zack and Jen are here for you. You donāt have to carry it all by yourself."
Her words struck deep, and Safari felt the last remnants of his guilt begin to crumble. For the first time in a long while, he truly believed he wasnāt alone.
But just as Safari started to relax, Angeleva pulled away, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Angeleva: (smirking)
"And now youāre totally in love with me, arenāt you?"
Safari: (furiously)
"W-What?! Are you insane?!"
Zack and Jen burst into laughter as Safari's face turned beet red. Angeleva giggled, satisfied with his flustered reaction.
Angeleva: (mocking)
"Iāll see you around, mosshead. Try not to miss me too much."
With a final flap of her wings, she soared into the sky, disappearing into the clouds. Safari clenched his fists, still visibly embarrassed.
Safari: (grumbling)
"That fairy is impossible."
Zack and Jen grinned, but their expressions soon softened. Without hesitation, they pulled Safari into a tight embrace.
Jen: (softly)
"Weāre with you, big brother. Always."
Zack: (nodding)
"No matter what."
Safariās heart swelled. He returned the hug, a silent promise passing between them.
Safari: (muttering)
"Yeahā¦ I know."
As they broke apart, Safari stomped toward the spaceship, determination renewed.
Safari: (smirking)
"Alright, letās go beat those demon generals. Time to show āem what weāre made of!"
The engines roared to life, and the spaceship lifted off the ground. Safari, Zack, and Jen stood side by side, a newfound strength binding them together.
Meanwhile, far above the atmosphere, Angeleva flew across the stars. She touched her chest, the memory of the embrace still lingering. She smiled softly, knowing she had done what she could ā not just for Safari, but for herself.
The path ahead remained uncertain.